Seattle Electricians Todayhttp://www.seattleelectricianstoday.com
quality electrical work for homeowners throughout the greater Seattle areaThu, 15 Jun 2017 19:28:45 +0000en-UShourly14 Signs That You Need a Panel Upgradehttp://www.seattleelectricianstoday.com/seattle-electric-tips/panel-upgrades/4-signs-need-panel-upgrade/
http://www.seattleelectricianstoday.com/seattle-electric-tips/panel-upgrades/4-signs-need-panel-upgrade/#respondThu, 15 Jun 2017 19:28:00 +0000http://www.seattleelectricianstoday.com/?p=494 Your electrical system is an extremely important part of your home, and keeping it reliable and safe to use is one of your biggest priorities. Your home's electrical panel is the heart of the system. It's the electricity's first stop upon arrival to your home, and it's what distributes that electricity throughout every...

Your electrical system is an extremely important part of your home, and keeping it reliable and safe to use is one of your biggest priorities. Your home's electrical panel is the heart of the system. It's the electricity's first stop upon arrival to your home, and it's what distributes that electricity throughout every part of your home. If your electrical panel is old, outdated, or not built to handle the amount of electricity you use in your home, it will cause a number of frustrating or dangerous problems.

At Seattle Electricians Today, our professional electricians can help you ensure that your home's electrical system is always totally safe and dependable. We can help you decide if it's time to upgrade your panel, and we can handle every aspect of the job.

If you're unsure of whether or not it's time to upgrade your home's panel, look out for these tale-tell signs:

Your Home Uses a Fuse Box

If you have a fuse panel instead of circuit breakers and an electrical panel, you probably need to have your panel upgraded. While fuse boxes are technically safe and operational, they're also outdated. They were common in homes built before 1960, but most homeowners rely on much more electricity than was commonly used in that time.

Because of the amount of electricity used in modern homes, it's recommended that you have a fuse box upgraded.

Outdated Wiring

If you notice lights dimming or flickering, you get shocked by any appliances, you detect any burning smells near appliances, of you noticed discolored power outlets around your home, your wiring is likely outdated.

Home Renovations

If you're planning to remodel your home any time in the near future, you should consider whether you need to have your panel upgraded first. If you're building anything onto your home, you may need more than the standard 100 or 150 amps of power in your home. Any new major appliances can also put too much of a burden on your electrical panel.

Frequently Tripping Breakers

If your breakers trip frequently, it means that your system is being overloaded on a regular basis. Before you go back to switch the breaker on again, contact our professional electricians. We'll be able to help you ensure that your electrical system is both safe and reliable.

]]>http://www.seattleelectricianstoday.com/seattle-electric-tips/panel-upgrades/4-signs-need-panel-upgrade/feed/0Electrical Safety Concerns In West Seattlehttp://www.seattleelectricianstoday.com/seattle-electric-tips/electrical-repairs/electrical-safety-concerns-in-west-seattle/
http://www.seattleelectricianstoday.com/seattle-electric-tips/electrical-repairs/electrical-safety-concerns-in-west-seattle/#respondSun, 24 Apr 2016 21:53:41 +0000http://www.seattleelectricianstoday.com/?p=401In the United States, nearly 50,000 fires occur every year due to electrical problems. Unfortunately, that’s a lot of fires in our country that could have been avoided if only the owners had called for electrical services. Electrical inspections can uncover hidden electrical problems that go unnoticed by homeowners and business owners. Homes that are...

]]>In the United States, nearly 50,000 fires occur every year due to electrical problems. Unfortunately, that’s a lot of fires in our country that could have been avoided if only the owners had called for electrical services. Electrical inspections can uncover hidden electrical problems that go unnoticed by homeowners and business owners.

Homes that are older in our West Seattle area can pose significant problems with electrical wiring. Many times, the wiring itself is dangerous and should be replaced. Panel boxes should be sufficiently able to handle the power needs of the family. And there should be enough outlets and dedicated circuits to handle the power that all the lighting, electronic devices, and appliances will use. Today, we have increasing needs for power since we’re even now plugging in our vehicles to get charged. Just think about all the electronics you need to charge up or plug in!

We are an “in-demand” generation. We want to have everything, and to have it right now. Of course, what type of equipment and how many devices we can afford to get is always dependent on our income. But in generally, we love our electronics here in West Seattle and all over the U.S.

Homes of today are built with extensive wiring configurations that can support normal modern power needs. Smart home systems are increasingly being installed in new homes. This means there’s a huge amount of power being supported. One plus is that many more appliances are manufactured for energy efficiency.

If you think about it, there’s many things we need to use today that we didn’t need to use years ago. We’ve gone from stove top coffee pots to automatic drip coffee makers that plug in. But now we have all types of espresso and single cup coffee brewers. Add all the other plug in small kitchen appliances to the list, your smart phone devices, laptops, personal computers, and more and you’ll understand why our home’s electrical systems can easily get overloaded.

Electrical fires and electrocutions can be avoided with the right electrical wiring and components for your West Seattle home. GFCI outlets are important to help with this, but so is an updated panel box and good wiring.

Whole home surge protection can protect your appliances and all your other electronic devices in your home. Saving you possibly tens of thousands of dollars, whole home surge protection is a great way to go for any family to protect their expensive electronics.

TRO outlets can protect small children living in or visiting your home from electrical shock. These outlets keep children from poking things into electrical outlets. Tamper resistant outlets can be retrofit to older homes.

The AFCI outlets are circuit breakers that recognize potential fire hazards within your wiring system. They immediately shut off the power to the line involved.

West Seattle professional electricians are your best bet to ensure your home is safe and secure with the right wiring and electrical system. Electrical inspections in West Seattle will pinpoint problem areas that can cause serious, even deadly, electrocutions or fires.

If you would like to learn more about Electrical Safety or need an Electrical Inspection for your West Seattle home, please call 206-542-7294 or complete our online request form.

]]>http://www.seattleelectricianstoday.com/seattle-electric-tips/electrical-repairs/electrical-safety-concerns-in-west-seattle/feed/0Why Electrical Repairs Should Never Be a DIY Projecthttp://www.seattleelectricianstoday.com/seattle-electric-tips/electrical-repairs/why-electrical-repairs-should-never-be-a-diy-project/
http://www.seattleelectricianstoday.com/seattle-electric-tips/electrical-repairs/why-electrical-repairs-should-never-be-a-diy-project/#respondMon, 21 Sep 2015 15:38:41 +0000http://www.seattleelectricianstoday.com/?p=322DIY projects are very popular among homeowners, and it’s easy to see why: they’re a great way to significantly improve your home, they’re relatively inexpensive, and they’re very satisfying and fun. However, there are some parts of your home that you should never work on without the help of a licensed professional, and your electrical...

]]>DIY projects are very popular among homeowners, and it’s easy to see why: they’re a great way to significantly improve your home, they’re relatively inexpensive, and they’re very satisfying and fun.

However, there are some parts of your home that you should never work on without the help of a licensed professional, and your electrical system is at the top of that list.

Electrical repairs in Seattle are extremely dangerous, and they need to be handled with extreme caution. When you need electrical repairs, they’ll feel extremely urgent, and you may not want to wait until a professional is available to assist you. But attempting to fix any electrical problems on your own without professional training and experience can easily result in serious injuries or damage to your Seattle property.

When you need any kind of electrical work done on your home, the professionals at Seattle Electricians Today will always be ready and eager to tackle the job.

Why Hire a Professional Electrician?

Professionals can ensure that no part of your property is damaged during repairs, and that no one is injured.

Some electrical repairs require a permit, and a professional electrician may be a legal requirement.

Any wiring jobs need to be up to local, state, and federal codes and standards that only a professional can ensure. Even if this doesn’t seem like a big deal now, it will be a major issue if you ever attempt to sell your Seattle home.

What Electrical Repairs are Safe to Do Myself?

You should only ever repair the absolute most basic electrical problems. Anything that is more complicated than changing a light switch is a job that a professional should handle.

Even during these simple tasks, it’s very important that you make sure all of the power in your home is turned off before you being, and that you make sure you know what you’re doing.

If there’s one thing that you want to rely on a professional for, it’s electrical repairs and installations. Attempting to take care of them on your own is a great way to wind up seriously injured, and mistakes are very easy to make. Our Seattle electricians can make sure that your electrical system is completely safe during the repairs and afterwards.

What’s the Worst that Could Happen?

Electrical systems in Seattle are very complicated and very dangerous, and if you attempt to work on your Seattle home’s electrical system without professional experience and training, you could easily wind up starting a house fire or seriously injuring yourself or someone else.

Even if you’re able to get through the repairs without incident, any mistake you make can have detrimental repercussions. In fact, the National Fire Protection Agency lists faulty electrical wiring as the number one cause of house fires in the US.

If you’re looking for an electrician in Seattle, call Seattle Electricians Today at 206-542-7294, or fill out our online request form.

]]>http://www.seattleelectricianstoday.com/seattle-electric-tips/electrical-repairs/why-electrical-repairs-should-never-be-a-diy-project/feed/0Landscape Lighting and Commercial Propertieshttp://www.seattleelectricianstoday.com/seattle-electric-tips/lighting/landscape-lighting-and-commercial-properties/
http://www.seattleelectricianstoday.com/seattle-electric-tips/lighting/landscape-lighting-and-commercial-properties/#respondTue, 12 May 2015 19:46:32 +0000http://www.seattleelectricianstoday.com/?p=296When you own a commercial business, it’s important not to overlook your Seattle outdoor landscape lighting setup. Exterior lighting for commercial properties is a very important aspect for security, function, and aesthetic reasons. Whether your exterior lighting is part of your landscape or hardscape, when you have a commercial property, you want to be sure...

]]>When you own a commercial business, it’s important not to overlook your Seattle outdoor landscape lighting setup. Exterior lighting for commercial properties is a very important aspect for security, function, and aesthetic reasons.

Whether your exterior lighting is part of your landscape or hardscape, when you have a commercial property, you want to be sure your customers are safe and that your property looks attractive.

Lighting is a great security measure that helps keep your property secure from break-ins as well as helps to keep your parking areas secure or employees safe while on the job.

Outdoor lights include direct lighting wherever it is needed. Direct lighting should be distributed evenly across the exterior of the property, and not placed where it is unnecessary or unwanted. When setting up, install at angles to avoid glare and reduce light trespass so areas of the exterior stay in focus to observers and video surveillance camera systems.

Landscape areas should be aesthetically pleasing while also offering some ambient light to see by. These types of lighting fixtures are less powerful but still very useful for commercial properties.

LED light fixtures are fast becoming the preferred choice in both indoor and outdoor lighting. They not only offer instant to full brightness, but can do so even in cold temperatures.

LED is a light emitting diode that produces visible light when electrical current passes through the semiconductor. It has long service life when compared to regular lighting. It gives off less glare and has minimal light trespass.

Controlling LED lighting fixtures is a snap, as many can be placed on timers or remote controlled. You can also have options such as continuous dimming.

T5HO lighting is a linear fluorescent lamp ideal for high bay applications and several other applications. Commonly, they are used in warehouses, gymnasiums, factories, and superstores. They offer proven performance in reliability, flexibility, and energy savings.

HID lamps are High-intensity discharge lamps that utilize a gas-discharge to produce light from an electric arc between electrodes within the tube. The tube is filled with both gas and metal salts.

Both the T5HO and HID are still very appropriate for commercial and industrial use. And all of these technologies will give good color quality and superior performance when compared to older technologies.

Exterior wall-mount fixtures will provide sufficient exterior lighting for walkways. They are important lighting sources for those entering and exiting the building during dark hours. They provide an ambient light for safety on the building’s exterior.

The electronic HID, T8 and T5HO fluorescent, and LED are energy efficient options for your commercial exterior lighting solutions. You’ll have the best in security feature lighting and your business will attract more customers at night time.

Whether you have ambient light, decorative light, high-bay lighting, wall lighting, spot lighting, security lighting, or landscape lighting, your outdoor lighting is the best way you can possibly add value and security to your commercial properties.

Don’t let your business suffer any longer with improper or insufficient lighting! Call our professional landscape lighting experts at Seattle Electricians Today for all your landscape and exterior lighting solutions!

If you are interested in Landscape Lighting, please call 206-971-7131 or complete our online request form.

]]>http://www.seattleelectricianstoday.com/seattle-electric-tips/lighting/landscape-lighting-and-commercial-properties/feed/0Things You Should Know About Backup Generators for Your Seattle Homehttp://www.seattleelectricianstoday.com/seattle-electric-tips/generators/things-know-backup-generators-seattle-home/
http://www.seattleelectricianstoday.com/seattle-electric-tips/generators/things-know-backup-generators-seattle-home/#respondFri, 16 May 2014 01:17:23 +0000http://localhost/seat/?p=181Home generators keep your essentials running when there are power interruptions. Not having enough electricity can really make it hard for a household to function normally, and this is why it’s important that you choose a generator that is most compatible with your home and energy requirements. What should you consider when choosing a backup...

]]>Home generators keep your essentials running when there are power interruptions. Not having enough electricity can really make it hard for a household to function normally, and this is why it’s important that you choose a generator that is most compatible with your home and energy requirements. What should you consider when choosing a backup home generator?

1. Price. When choosing a home generator for your Seattle, WA home, you need to consider your budget. The prices of generators can range tremendously so it is a good first step to figure out what you can allot for such a thing. Portable home generators can cost as much as $4,000, but there are others that cost less than $1,000 too. Decide on your budget before everything else.

2. Size. What type of generator should you use? Portable generators are typically smaller and only support a couple of plug in devices at a time. Then there are large home standby generators that power up some or even all of your home. Can it be stored in the garage, or does it need to be installed by a professional? The size of your generator is also a factor.

3. Fuel Type. Various generators utilize different types of fuel. Some are powered by regular gasoline, some by LPG, some that are fueled by diesel, and others that use natural gas. There are advantages and disadvantages of choosing one over the other, including price and availability, and you should discuss your fuel options with a certified Seattle, WA electrical contractor. They are trained to help you choose the right home generator, as well as help you install them safely and properly.

4. Load. The amount of power the generator can produce is probably the most important factor in your decision making. Knowing your home’s power consumption as well as what your individual appliances uses is necessary. Make a list of all the things you want to keep running with a power generator, prioritizing the necessities. Your refrigerator, freezer, heater, water pump, gas furnace and fans, stove, lighting, washing machine, radio, computer system and many others could easily make that list. Of course, the more of your home you power the more of a load you will need your generator to be able to handle.

Installing a home generator in your own Seattle, WA home is not a DIY project. Electricity is dangerous and should only be dealt with by trained professionals. Your best bet is to contact a qualified Seattle, WA electrician. They have the experience and tools necessary to safely and efficiently install the right generator for your home.

If you are looking for a Seattle, WA Backup Generator then please call 206-971-7131 or complete our online request form.

]]>http://www.seattleelectricianstoday.com/seattle-electric-tips/generators/things-know-backup-generators-seattle-home/feed/0Is Landscape Lighting Right For Your Seattle Home?http://www.seattleelectricianstoday.com/seattle-electric-tips/lighting/landscape-lighting-right-seattle-home/
http://www.seattleelectricianstoday.com/seattle-electric-tips/lighting/landscape-lighting-right-seattle-home/#respondFri, 16 May 2014 01:12:17 +0000http://localhost/seat/?p=178Having landscape lighting additions installed in your Seattle, WA home will have a tremendous impact on the aesthetic appeal of your house, especially during night time. You would be surprised at how your home looks simply by adding some elegant lighting fixtures in your yard. Here are a couple of tips that you should keep...

]]>Having landscape lighting additions installed in your Seattle, WA home will have a tremendous impact on the aesthetic appeal of your house, especially during night time. You would be surprised at how your home looks simply by adding some elegant lighting fixtures in your yard. Here are a couple of tips that you should keep in mind when you go about the task, however, so as to ensure that you are able to make the most out of your investments. With the following points, you will be able to get the look and feel that you want for your landscape.

First, you should take into consideration that by using the power of light, you not only change the look of your landscape, but also create an atmosphere. The mood that is affected by lighting has an effect on people. As you are looking at landscape lighting ideas, keep in mind how they make you feel as well as how they look. This will give you a better idea of what the outdoor environment of your home will be like.

It is a good idea to draft a budget even before you begin coming up with the design that you will use for your home. There are a lot of affordable lighting options that are available to Seattle, WA homeowners, but you also want the best quality, especially when dealing with the design of your home. Approaching the task with a set budget will keep you from spending more than you can spare. This will also help when you consult a Seattle, WA landscape lighting professional as they will have to agree to stay within your budget to complete the job.

What most people do not always realize is that implementing a good landscape lighting design also helps protect the property. It has been proven that well lit properties are less likely to fall victim to criminal activity. Landscape lighting has a lot to offer; safety, ambiance, elegant design and more.

A good way to get started on your journey is to take a look at ideas on the internet. There are plenty of sites that are dedicated to landscape lighting design. When you get an idea of what would look best in your yard, consult a qualified Seattle, WA landscape lighting professional and have one of their designers draft a design that can make it a reality. Their experience and training will also help you in fleshing out hazy details. Then you can get a contractor to complete the job and enjoy the beauty of landscape lighting.

If you are looking for a Seattle, WA Landscape Lighting Expert then please call 206-971-7131 or complete our online request form.

]]>http://www.seattleelectricianstoday.com/seattle-electric-tips/lighting/landscape-lighting-right-seattle-home/feed/0Many Ceiling Fans to Choose From in Seattlehttp://www.seattleelectricianstoday.com/seattle-electric-tips/ceiling-fans/many-ceiling-fans-choose-seattle/
http://www.seattleelectricianstoday.com/seattle-electric-tips/ceiling-fans/many-ceiling-fans-choose-seattle/#respondFri, 16 May 2014 01:07:21 +0000http://localhost/seat/?p=175A ceiling fan is an electrically powered fan that is affixed to the ceiling. Unlike air conditioners, they do not change air temperature, but instead circulate air (which often gives the appearance of cooling). They only introduce movement to the air through their rotating paddles. There are, however, some fans that reverse the direction in...

]]>A ceiling fan is an electrically powered fan that is affixed to the ceiling. Unlike air conditioners, they do not change air temperature, but instead circulate air (which often gives the appearance of cooling). They only introduce movement to the air through their rotating paddles. There are, however, some fans that reverse the direction in which the blades move, which helps with ventilation and in assisting your heating system. They use much lesser power than your HVAC system, which makes them an efficient alternative to other cooling methods. A ceiling fan provides a breeze that can be greatly assisted with the introduction of fresh air from outside. From a design standpoint, their classic look will also accentuate and add character to absolutely any room in your Seattle, WA home.

A ceiling fan is composed of an electric motor, blades or paddles, metal arms, flywheel, rotor and others. The paddles, usually three to six in number, connected by metal arms or blade irons to the motor, mount either under, on the side or on top of the electric motor. Other fans vary with style and may include downrods, metal pipes used to suspend the fan from the ceiling, switch housing and even lamps, uplights or downlights.

There are several types of fans that vary based on energy efficiency and style. A cast-iron ceiling fan is solidly built, with a housing encasing a very heavy-duty oil-bath motor, which needs periodic oiling. A stack-motor ceiling fan whose fan blades are mounted to a central hub called a “flywheel” is an energy efficient motor far less costly to operate than air conditioning equipment. A direct-drive ceiling fan, which is the least expensive, uses a motor with a stationary inner core with a shell that revolves around it. A friction-drive ceiling fan which also consumes very low energy employs a low-torque motor mounted transversely to the flywheel.

The different ceiling fans also operate differently. Some come with the pull-chain or pull-cord control. They are equipped with metal chains or cloth cords, which, when pulled, cycle the fan. Multiple pulls will either change the fan speed or turn the fan off. Other fans operate on variable-speed control where a dial, which works like a dimmer switch, is mounted on the fan. Some fans have their controls mounted on the wall while others come with wireless remote controls that transmit radio frequencies or infrared control signals to the receiver installed in the fan.

Since their first appearance in the early 1860s, ceiling fans have evolved into something much more useful. They are a popular appliance in Seattle, WA for homeowners keen on taking control of their energy consumption. If you are considering adding a ceiling fan to your home, you should call a certified Seattle, WA ceiling fan professional. A trained professional will be able to offer installation of a variety of fans as well as help you identify one that best suits your needs.

If you are looking for an Seattle, WA Ceiling Fan Installation Professional then please call 206-971-7131 or complete our online request form.